We're back and dropping a long pod for you! Mike and I talk the final roster moves of the summer, going back from Rondo, through Ian Clark and Tony Allen, and then start the real meat of the episode: The Eastern Conference!

We talk all the teams, including those known colloquially as Hot Garbage!

Mike and I get together to do a deep dive into the impacts of the Jrue Holiday signing - and then we start talking about everything else that could happen. Trades, signing, dropping below the cap, and Mid-level guys. We also talk about how good we think this team could be right now.

Michael and I break down the options this off-season, ranging from Lowry to the Holidays to Rubio and Beverly. We dig into mid-level guys, minimum dudes, answer questions from twitter, seriously consider Rudy Gay, and bemoan Tim Frazier leaving. Okay, maybe not the last one so much.

Mike and I kick off our podcast as the second round starts, and the Pelicans swift strike there throw us off a bit. But we recover, talk lots of Frank Jackson, why the Pels targeted him, why they moved Tim Frazier, and hang on hoping for a second guy to fall to the team that we wanted. Guess what, it didn't happen.

Two full hours of Pelicans, my friends. We talk the myriad of options this off-season, including Jrue leaving or staying, which is better, Kyle Lowry, Chris Paul, moving Asik for something, Allen Crabbe, Loul Deng, and if Jrue is actually a needle mover in the first place. We also break down the guys we like the best in the upcoming NBA Draft, talk some guys we wouldn't like, and then talk about possible trades. We also argue about what Jrue should make in the off-season and place part of a bet. We'll need your help placing the second half.

Four percent chance. It's amazing how much of an impact a 4% lottery ticket could have on this team. Michael and I spend most of the pod talking about the options the team has if they land one of the top picks in the draft. We talk Fultz, Ball, Butler, George, Lillard, and several other teams you probably weren't even thinking much about.

The Pelicans have been eliminated from the playoffs, but there's still a lot to talk about! Michael and I cover the games that have happened since the last pod and bring up whether we should be optimistic or not due to the results. We talk about Boogie as a defensive force (or not) and look at a few stats and decide if they are real or not.

We build a good team that both of us would hate to watch, talk about what the team really needs this summer, and touch on a little if Jrue is part of the answer.

Then we talk about what we would like to see these last four games and what the odds are of keeping the pick. See? Lots!

No way not to spend lots of this pod without talking about King Solomon, Michael Jordan Crawford, and, oh yeah, E'twaun Moore. We talk about their production, how the team plays when Boogie steps off the court, and then spend a lot of time talking Boogie in general and if he's good or bad for the team. We then talk about whether the playoffs are realistic, what the road to get there would entail, and bemoan the next few games.

Michael and I talk about the Hornets game and things we liked and didn't like. We spend some more time talking about Gentry - and then even more time on what coaches do, due to the excellent <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/pelicast/2017/03/10/pelicast-ep-5-chatting-with-pelicans-assistant-coach-jamelle-mcmillan">Pelicast</a>. Then we talk about Boogie Extensions and off-season plans.

Though we're still trying to wash the bad taste out of our mouths from that Utah game, Mike and I take a step back and review the last 4 games. We see good, bad, progress, and some major struggles getting penetration. We bag Jrue, defend Jrue, say bad things about Boogie, argue about the team having AD and Boogie hanging out on the perimeter, and talk about what we feel is the most pressing need for next season.

Michael and I get together after the team went 0-3 and are surprising upbeat. At least I feel like it's surprising. We do want to know what the hell is going on with Jrue, the other perimeter players, and Cousins less-than-perfect conditioning though. Then we talk some off-season stuff, how AD's looked, and if the team is still headed to the playoffs.

Well, that high didn't last for long, did it? Michael and I talk about the Rockets game. A bunch. Then we talk about Jrue needing to be aggressive, the team fitting together, and more importantly, fitting with Alvin Gentry. We also get sidetracked into what flexibility the team has over the summer to clear cap space - or not.

Holy crap. We're recording a pod, talking about that terrible Lay-up line - er - All-Star Game, and suddenly a blockbuster trade falls on us. Boogie and Casspi for Hield, Evans, Galloway, a 1st, and a 2nd.

Michael and I talk about these little letdowns that keep spiraling into Pelicans defeats - and while Michael walks away more positive than expected, I end up a bit more negative. A bit of a change of pace for us, I think! We talk about the importance of the next 6 games to the trade deadline, and if we think Dell and crew are even moving on anything at all.

We also talk about Tyreke's inability to finish with any finesse at all. Ridiculous.

That's pretty much what Michael and I talk about all pod long. What teams are buyers and sellers, which ones make sense to trade Jrue too, what sort of packages you can get back, etc etc. We do touch on a few other guys, but it's mostly the Jrue Show.

Michael and I get to do a pod after a win!!! So instead of being 100% gloomy, we get to be 75% gloomy! That's not entirely true, as we get to talk Jrue returning and what that means, what Tyreke could mean to the team, and what is the missing piece for the squad.

Michael and I talk about the first three games of the season. We try to find happy things to talk about other than Frazier and Davis . . . and fail. We pretty much can't get away from the badness, whether it's Hill, Galloway, Ajinca, Hield, Asik, Jones, even Stephenson.

Michael and I stand agog at what we saw from Anthony Davis in the season opener. We talk about what questions we had about him we saw laid to rest in this game, what questions we still have, and then try to pick a Non-AD MVP. We also pick LVP, talk about Lance a lot, and talk a little bit about the team defense.

Who is Michael most excited to see play after seeing this pre-season? Is Anthony Davis soft or injury-prone? Is Tim Frazier the answer? Can Asik not suck? These are all questions we answer in this week's In the NO.

As promised, Michael and I wrap up the In the NO season previews of all the other teams with the exciting Central Division. Home of the Cavaliers, the interesting Pistons, the sad Bulls, and some other teams. Really, there are other teams in that Division.

McNamara joins me to talk about the first pre-season game and the Central Division. And then we spend this entire pod on just the pre-season game, rotations, buddy hield, the starting guards, and what Gentry's trying to tell Omer Asik.

Michael and I feast on the nuggets of information that have trickled out of Media day recently. We choke on the injury news, devour the Lance Stephenson chances, and then turn to the Pacific Division to recap their moves. Can't think of any teams that matter in this division.

Graham and I talk about Jrue Holiday, the partially guaranteed Lance Stephenson, who we would like to see make it through camp, and then we tear into the Northwest Division - or, like I like to call it, My division of hate. A surprising number of my most disliked teams reside in this division. Graham doesn't like many of them either. We hope you don't as well.

Graham and I talk about the Atlantic Division, the teams we like and don't like, mock some players and crews, and make predictions. We also play "who is the highest paid player on this team." I think some of the answers will surprise you.

Nick and I get together to talk about the recently released schedule, the Olympic games and what little we can draw from it, and then we sink into the meat of the podcast: We talk about the teams in the Southwest Division, the changes they made, and predict record for each one. Well, except for the Pels.

Nick and Graham join me in a wrap up of everything that has happened so far in Free Agency. We talk Tyreke Evans, Hill, Moore, Frazier and Galloway. We say goodbye to Ryan Anderson, Luke Babbitt and Eric Gordon - and make predictions on wins, improvement defensively and losses offensively. And we talk summer league too! Yay!

With Ryan Schwan out of the country for a few weeks, Graham McQueen and I decided to take over the podcast and discuss our the newest Pelican: Buddy Hield! We also get into how Buddy will effect the team's efforts in free agency, what drafting Buddy means for players like Gordon and Tyreke, and we even vent a bit on the Buddy and Brow catchphrases going around.

Oh, and we also discuss the Pelicans' team attractiveness relative to the rest of the NBA for entirely too long.

Graham McQueen and Nick Lewellen join me to talk about Danny Ferry, Special Advisor, and want it means for Dell Demps and the team's future moves. Then we move on to the draft, talk our preferred picks at 6, talk about things that would disappoint us, and if we like the idea of getting a second first rounder. We also talk about the second round prospects.

Shamit Dua and I get together and run through an evaluation of the prospects the Pels could be eyeing with the 6th pick of the draft. Well, except for Dragan Bender - whom we don't know jack about. Then we talk about trading the pick, getting a big man early, if we like Murry, Hield or Dunn, if we pick in the midrange - and some guys we are looking at in the second round.

Nick and I get together and run through what COULD happen if the Pelicans move up in the draft as part of the lottery. Because, you know, it could happen, right? We talk the top prospects, who the Pelicans could trade the 1st, 2nd or even 3rd picks for - and if we would make those trades.

Jake Madison and I get together and talk about the front office situation. Will Dell Demps go? Should he go? Who do we want in that role? Hinkie? Morey? A full control guy like Jeff Van Gundy? If the team went after a number 2 on some other team - which team should they look at?

McNamara stops by to put his bow on the Pelicans season. We talk about the front office, the draft, whether anything good came out of this season, rap lyrics, Tim Frazier, and a bunch of other things that just crop up.

Graham McQueen joins me to talk about the last two weeks of bad basketball, injuries that we are nearly numb to at this point, and whether we are full on Tank lovers now. We talk Jrue Holiday playing off the bench still, pick the most appalling Pelican Stat line, and try to figure out if Dell will try to win or not.

Mason Ginsberg joins me by phone to talk about yet another bizarre week to Pelicans basketball, complete with wins against OKC, a loss to the Timberwolves, and a craptastic mess in Houston. Also, we talk about injuries again, with Bryce DeJean-Jones going down immediately after being signed.

Sigh. Oh, and the baby face in the artwork has nothing to do with the Pod. I just needed something that makes me smile. It's sooooooo CUUUTEE.

I'm joined by Nick Lewellen to talk about Anthony Davis' 59 point monster and my frustration that it wasn't more. We also talk about the Trade Deadline - the deals that were and weren't made, Jrue Holiday's strong play, Anthony Davis and the All NBA team, the standings, and whether stockpiling tons of draft picks isn't going to burn someone in the end.

Jake and I rip off a long podcast for you. First we talk the Tyreke Evans news, Ryan Anderson testing free agency, and a fake ESPN trade. We also address BDJ not re-signing right away, and Anthony Davis at the All-Star weekend.

Then we get to what you all wanted - the Trade Market in the Western Conference - which is a lot more static than the East, that's for sure.

Jake Madison joins me as we give a brief recap of all the games that have happened since the last pod - including the four game losing streak - and then I lay into Gentry. Jake tries to point out I may be being unreasonable. What do you think?

Graham McQueen joins me this week to talk another winning week for the Pelicans! That's two winning weeks now! Despite our usual trashing of members of the Pelicans team, we do pick out one shining moment from each of the five games we cover. One of those shining moments may or may not have been Eric Gordon getting injured. I think I may be taking the anti-Eric stuff too far.

Nick Lewellen joins me as we recap the week - a winning week(!) - and show ourselves to be terribly conflicted by talking down most of the team while doing so somehow. Sheesh. Then we play "20-20 Hindsight", "Which team is worse", and "Stop me when you hear a player you wouldn't trade Eric Gordon to get".

We also talk some trade rumors, make up a couple bullshit trade ideas, and talk about where the team should go from here.

Shamit Dua joins me in a wrathcast as we tear apart what happened in that Lakers game. We talk how bad the team has been defensively, the inexplicable line-ups, and fail utterly in coming up with reasons why Gentry would play those particular line-ups.

Chris Trew of <a href="http://www.christrew.com/trew-2-the-game/">Trew to the Game</a> (and our own BSS) joins me to talk about an 0-3 week that pushes this team further and further from respectability. We then talk about whom Chris likes to heckle the most, who talks trash the most, and come to realize Chris is a big softie. We also talk about what we think should happen with this team - full on tank? Is there a point of no return for Chris - and what is going to happen this coming week.

Signs are pointing towards the team getting back to being a middle of the pack sort of squad. Jason Calmes and I talk about whether that is real or fake - if we think the team will continue to improve, and totally avoid talking tank. Sorry tankers!

We address Tyreke's less than stellar play, a return to "okay" for Asik, and other things.

Michael and I recap a week in which the Pelicans have some crazy highs and lows - and actually get to play their preferred five for a few minutes. Yay. Then - we predict the rest of the year as Michael says goodbye to the pod after 238 episodes. Yeah. Don't have much else to say.

In a lot of respects the Boston loss (and its aftermath) crystalized just how bad this team has been over the course of the season for many fans. So Michael and I talk fallout - trades, what we want this team to do, what we think they will do, what is a decent outcome if trades do start happening.

We also talk about how some of these players fit or don't fit in Gentry's system. Then - upcoming games and Mike makes me define Rap terms. Yay!

Michael and I rip of a smallish podcast for you - since my inability to record properly destroyed the longer one we put together. Bleh. Anyways - we talk Asik return, Norris Cole, "are our guards any good?" and how Michael is really down on the crew right now. We also predict the upcoming week and give a quick preview of Boston and Washington.

Michael and I continue to be flummoxed by some of the trends for this team - including just how bad they are on the road. We also play "what is more disappointing?", "Rap lyric vs Shakespeare", "Which Pelicans not named Davis could be the third best player on a good team?", "Who on the Rockets would you want at this point?", "I'm starting to feel bitter", and "Oh god why isn't this team better than it is?". All the rest happen in one form or another.

Michael and I are agog over the two wins. When there are so few of them, they become just so, so precious. We talk Anthony Davis' sudden surge in energy, Ish Smith playing well, Anderson playing great, and the imminent return of Tyreke Evans. We also address Asik and Ajinca's minutes, Holiday's poor play and what we can expect coming up on the roadtrip.

Michael and I are clearly starting to lose our optimism. Well, I am. Michael still is holding out hope. Regardless, we try to keep it light, talking the good we are seeing, what Gordon's role will be when healthy players come back, and the Turkish Klay Thompson. We preview the upcoming week, make bad predictions again, and with the wins, comes the return of Mike asking me rap questions. Yay?

Michael and I talk about the three L's and rate how bad/good they were - along with what good things we did see in those games. That part wasn't very long. Then, Michael profanes Larry Bird, we talk about injury news, wonder at Davis' demeanor and preview the upcoming week.

The Journey to the MVP begins this week for Anthony Davis against the Defending Champs. How will it turn out? Michael and I talk what we saw this pre-season, who we did and didn't like, talk about the REAL impact from all the injuries to the Win-Loss record, and play 2nd Best and Ryan Guesses Rap Lyrics. I get them wrong.

Michael and I walk through the decent teams in the Western Conference - including where we feel the Pelicans are most likely to land. We don't really talk about Tyreke, because I'm so tired of injuries.

Friggin hell, I'm sick of injuries. Mike and I talk injuries, talk Nate Robinson, Bo McCaleb, and the rest of the roster hopefuls, and then pick the guys we want to see make the team. Then we talk the bottom of the Western Conference - putting teams into the Garbage and "Meh" categories. The Lakers are garbage. Spoilers! Damnit!

Michael and I talk about the Bulls pre-season game - our favorite moments, our least favorite moments, marvel at Anthony Davis, and kill a few other guys. We also talk about some more injuries. Seriously. MORE INJURIES. Plus, A.d.i.d.a.s and C.R.E.A.M.

Michael and I spend the first part of the podcast talking about Asik and Ajinca's injuries and the impact, and then we get into previewing the Eastern Conference! We group the teams into tiers, and I quickly find I hate the Eastern Conference a lot more than Michael does.

Pelicans basketball is back! With a pre-season game in the books, the team roster essentially set, training camp well and truly rolling and the NBA ready to get started, we return as well!

We talk Cole, Perkins and Seth leaving, and then handicap the trainee camp invitees. Then we get to the important stuff - Jrue Holiday's minutes restrictions, whether the optimism for this team is warranted, who could be the team's second all-star, and whether it was worth it for Quincy to risk his knee to propel the Pelicans to the playoffs last year!

Oh, and I answer another wrap question. Badly. That is how you spell it, isn't it?

Summer league is done! Babbitt and Gee have been signed, Curry is a possibility, and most Non-Cole Summer moves seen over! Wait. That means no basketball stuff for 2 months?! It's time for that Summer Time Sadness . . . Which is still better than Jimmer Time. Amiright or amiright?

Well, before we go, how does the Western Conference stack up now? Are the Pelicans a lock as a top 7 seed in the West? Will they feast on the Spurs and Grizzlies? Will I get any of the hip-hop questions Michael springs on me correct?

With most of the big moves already completed, Michael and I talk about what this off-season means to the team. Will Asik, Ajinca and Cunningham live up to their deals? Can we squee with joy over Anthony Davis resigning? What is a squee? What teams got better or worse in the conference? Plus, we answer some listener questions.

Michael and I talk about the news about Jrue Holiday's leg injury and the 76ers being fined about it, the underwhelming results of the NBA Draft, and then we get into the big fun discussion: The Draft! We talk pie-in-the-sky candidates, whether Asik should come back and at what deal, and who we think should be targeted for all those mid-level exception dollar bills.

Michael and I get together and break down all the stuff that's happened since Gentry was hired! Gordon picking up his option, staff joining Gentry's squad, Anderson making health vows, and, of course, the DRAFT coming up! I love the draft. Hope you do too!

The Pels pick Alvin Gentry, and Michael and I pick Amin Elhassan to come on and talk about the Pelicans new Coach. As an ESPN NBA analyst and a former member of the Suns front office when Alvin Gentry coached there, we thought his insight would be invaluable. And he doesn't disappoint.

After Amin, we spend time talking about what this means to the rest of the players as well!

Expectations were shattered with the firing of Monty Williams this week. Michael and I get together to talk about the timing of the firing, impacts it might have on AD and team acquisitions, and whether the way it was done indicates anything about Dell Demps' power in the organization.

Then we get into the good stuff. Who replaces Monty? We talk Thibs, Gentry, Hoiberg, Jeff Van Gundy, Coach Cal, and many, many more. We make our picks, talk about who Dell might be looking at, and what we hope will happen.

Michael and I talk Game 3 and Game 4. Well, mostly Game 3 and who was to blame. Was it Monty? Then we talk about who should come back, who the Pelicans could and should target. We talk Eric Gordon and his option, Davis and his extension, and Monty Williams and whether he should return. We also wonder what would happen if the NBA got into cloning dudes. Sorta.

Thank you for listening, everyone. Hope you have an excellent off-season.

We talk over game 2, addressing some bad play by Anderson and Ajinca, Jrue's injury, and Anthony Davis playing 45 minutes and if that was a mistake. All that, plus Tyreke Evans playing hurt, Gordon being an amazing shooter, Cole being weird, and our predictions for game 3.

Michael and I talk about what we saw in Game 1 - including what we would like to see exploited, what we would like to see less of, and who our game-time heroes were. We then make predictions for game 2!

Michael and I recap the 2-1 week, dwell on Non-MVP Anthony Davis, enjoy Asik's game against DeMarcus Cousins, and then, somehow, both have different reasons why the Pelicans lost the Portland game - from Anderson being used incorrectly to Eric Gordon not being the answer to Quincy not getting enough burn. Then we answer a bunch of your twitter questions, Michael tears up an ambush, and we predict the upcoming 5(!) games before the next podcast. By the time you hear us again, folks, things will probably be decided.

We review the last three games, including the heart-breaker in Houston that could have been. We think about Cousins as a Pelican (briefly) and then try to figure out what record the Pelicans need to make the playoffs. Then we make bold predictions for the upcoming week!

Oh, and someone should find Westbrook and sweep the leg. Not really. Well Maybe. No, don't . . .

I wish we could talk about Unicorns and Rainbows. Because, I am sooooo tired of talking about injuries. So guess what happened! The team had more injuries! Frustrating! Besides just the general rants about that, Michael and I also talk about what the team <em>has</em> accomplished this season, what they should be proud of, and whether the door is now shut, in our books, on playoffs.

It may be stupid, but Michael and I can't help talking about the fight for the playoffs. We talk the games against Denver and Brooklyn, but also talk streaking Utah, the Serge Ibaka injury, the three guards the Pels have, and even talk a little about potential playoff matchups. Getting ahead of ourselves? Yes! So what!

A 3-1 week and another injury to boot! That's Pelicans Basketball! Like Davis, Michael and I shake off Tyreke's injury and tear into all we saw these last few games. And then, once again, we get sucked into talking what it would take for this team to make the Playoffs. We try to come up with new things to say about Davis, consider whether this team is vulnerable to inside or outside opponent play, and wish bad things on the Basketball Gods.

Michael and I talk about this run of good play without the big stars and what it means. Do the Pelicans now have an 11-man deep bench? Should we expect the team to explode as they feed stars back into it? Where does Ajinca, Babbitt, Anderson and Cunningham all fit next to Asik and Davis in the frontcourt? And how does Evans, Gordon, Holiday, Pondexter and Cole all get time?

Michael and I have a lot to cover since the last podcast. An injury to Jrue Holiday, Norris Cole, an injury to Anthony Davis, a 2-1 set of games, an injury to Ryan Anderson, Tyreke Evans being up and down, a death blow to playoff hopes, a team with a real, possible, 9-man rotation, and injuries that prevent that.

After a few crushing losses, everyone must go! Michael and I talk trades! Not that any of them will happen, but it's fun talking about them! Hope you enjoy the new opening! And all the exclamation marks in this summary!

Michael and I stand, once again, aghast and how often injuries derail this team. Seriously. It's hard to build momentum with injury issues like these. We talk the excellent win in OKC, I try to talk Michael off a cliff, we talk Toney Douglas and probably Jimmer's exile, and we guess at the final game before the All-Star break.

After good wins over the Clippers and Hawks, it's easy to squint your eyes, ignore the Denver loss and think playoffs once more. So guess what? Michael and I talk playoffs, Ryan Anderson not hedging, one of those nights in almost hated Denver, how many wins it will take for Davis to win MVP, and if Korver is an All-star

Plus Eric Gordon and Tyreke Evans' excellent play and what it means with Jrue!

Michael and I break down the 4-game win streak and what it means now that Jrue isn't playing. We talk the uptick in Gordon's numbers, how Anthony is taking more shots now, and address the idea of Jrue going to the bench. We also talk Nate Wolters, whether Gordon may play basketball as a Pelican for years to come, and if we think Dante and Quincy are the answer on the wing moving forward.

Michael and I finally just talk Monty and what it would mean if the team did move on. Who we would like to see, if this is a reflection on Monty or the team, should he team make more moves without knowing who will be at the helm? We also talk Hakeem Ajinca-won, Quincy being mad, and grading our guards.

Michael and I talk the coming Pondexter trade and Michael talks about how he thinks it sets up another trade after that. Then I lay out some numbers about the Pelicans Offense, discussing just why the team is actually pretty good at that end. I think the answer will surprise you.

Then we talk about the games, how annoying Andre Miller is, and preview the upcoming week of road games.

Mason Ginsberg joins me to talk about whether the Pelicans have a chance to get into the playoff picture this year or not. Then we pick Western Conference stars to curse, talk Tyreke Evans, and get into what the line-up numbers look like when replacing Eric Gordon with Luke Babbitt. Grim.

Then we preview a couple upcoming games and talk the Pacers and Chicago.

Nick Lewellen and I spend some time talking about Jrue Holiday's phenomenal defense - but how he's generally viewed around the league as a third tier sort of point guard. We talk about how he's grown, and if he's good enough to be a member of a big three. Then we shift to Anthony Davis and I make a crazy statement about his offensive game, Nick kindly ignores it and we start talking about defense.

We spend a lot of time talking about defense and line-up data. I love me some numbers.

Jason and I talk about the 2-2 week, the crushing defeats to the Clippers and Warriors, and what we think about Monty. Rotations? All Bench squads? Hero Ball? Discipline? I also go on a rant about Tyreke Evans, we admire Golden State, and predict the tough upcoming weeks schedule.

We also hate the Clippers and Dallas, talk Dante, and I call Blake Griffin a bad name and don't feel bad about it.

Michael and I talk about . . . 43 points! INJURIES?!? OMG!!!! What do we do!!! Or - we break down no less than 6 games and give a brief preview of the week to come. We talk everything - replacements for Gordon, the weakness of the bench, whether Tyreke is never going to hit a layup again, and whether Anthony Davis is a newborn godling placed in New Orleans to save us all.

Michael and I unleash a swath of Anthony Davis appreciation before moving on to the much more flawed team. We focus greatly on Tyreke Evans and his finishing struggles, wonder at Asik's place among Hornet/Pelican centers, enjoy the hell out of Ryan Anderson, and preview the Lakers and Minnesota.

Michael and I give our first game reviews of the season, blasting through what we've seen from the team. We spend time on Asik, Evans, Rivers, Anderson, and, of course Gordon. And we spend very little time on the unbelievably amazing Anthony Davis. I mean, what is there left to say? MVP?

Then we preview San Antonio and Cleveland's upcoming games! Give it a listen!

Michael and I hit on a series of items, starting with a recap of the last two pre-season games. Then we hit on Austin Rivers' option being possibly declined by the team, Lottery Reform that didn't happen, Expected rotations, our two Confident Predictions and Biggest worries, and last, we get to preview ACTUAL NBA GAMES. They're here! Rejoice!

We continue our Western Conference preview with the 9 teams in the Western Conference that will be battling for the playoffs. Where do the Pelicans fall? Well Michael and I have very different opinions on that. The Western Conference is a slugfest.

Michael and I cover all the action from the last two pre-season games, I declare for Austin Rivers, Anthony Davis goes crazy (as usual) and Jrue Holiday plays fairly well. We also talk about whether Ryan Anderson is in game shape or not. Then we move on to the Western Conference, covering the teams we think will be the worst six in the West - a position most writers feel the Pelicans will stay in. Will we? The rest of the Western Conference is coming in a couple days, so give it a listen!

Michael and I talk about the gaping hole that is the Small Forward position. (As always with the Hornets/Pelicans) Then we move on to Rivers v Fredette and what that means for the rotation, whether we think Withey has a chance, and if Eric Gordon is awesome because of his appearance in NBA 2K15.

Michael and I talk the Eastern Conference and how we think those teams will shake out. Battles ensue over the placement of teams like the Bulls, Pacers and Hawks. Michael is wrong. No battle ensues over the placement of the 76ers, who really need to be relegated to the D-League now.

Michael and I talk about the pre-season game in Kentucky and what it might mean to the starting Small Forward position. We talk about concerns around the Tyreke Evans injury and if it might mean a slow start. Then we talk Austin Rivers and if his option should be picked up - why Michael loves a potential second unit, and we predict efficiencies for various potential line-ups this season.

Michael and I talk Anthony Davis and his showing at the FIBA World Cup! We address what he's done so far, what he can take away from this experience, what we still want to see, and if I was right about him not breaking out. Then Michael loves him some Eric Gordon. Sigh. And then I ambush him!

Cowbell Kingdom's James Ham joins us to talk about the new former Kings the Pelicans have imported: John Salmons, Jimmer Fredette, Omri Casspi - and of course, we can't avoid talking Tyreke Evans too. Then Michael and I talk about rotations, Darius Miller returning to the team, and who the most irreplaceable Pelican is this year. Michael is wrong, as usual.

The Asik trade is finally done after a string of moves by Dell Demps, so Michael and I deliver grades? Who did the team have to let go? Who did they keep the rights to? Is there a small forward on the team? Are the Pelicans looking for a "Starting Small Forward" or a "7th Man"?

Then we also talk the first two games of summer league! Yeah, that's right, basketball is being played! Young is fun, Russ is crazy, and Courtney Fells is Morrow 2.0?

Free Agency is opening shortly, and Dell Demps has a lot to get done in a short time. Michael and I talk about everything he has/can accomplish. We touch on the chances Anderson, Gordon or Rivers may be gone in a few weeks. We talk about Draft night, the acquisition of Russ and departure of PJ. We talk sign and trades with Aminu or Smith, bird rights, cap space, Mid level exceptions, and the Luxury Tax. We talk about other teams and what they might look like, and we make predictions about when we'll see the final trades going down this off-season.

Michael and I break down the Asik trade - what he means to the team offensively, defensively, salary cap-wise, and how he immediately upgrades the team's boardwork. On the flip side, we talk his high turnover rate, how he quit on his team last year, and if we should be concerned about the fact his contract is only a single year.

The Finals are about to start, but the Pelicans beaks are turned towards the off-season, so Michael and I start talking off-season! We talk the Mid-Level Tournament, our wishlists for TYPES of players we'd most like to see join the squad, and who terrifies us the most from the list of players. We also hit on what players we'd be willing to clean out our depth to try to acquire, and discuss what we think Dell might do.

Also - Ryan Anderson, whether Tyreke would fit into the finals, and Spurs or Heat?

The NBA Draft Lottery is right around the corner! With a 4% chance of keeping the pick, Michael and I take this last chance to dream about what would happen if the team did land a top-3 pick. Would we prefer to trade it? For whom? Does it matter if it's the first, second or third pick? We also talk Tyreke Evans surgery, Eric Gordon, and going back and watching the team when it had it's finishing five/core four.

The season is ovah! Michael and I talk about how fun those last two games were, Austin Rivers ejection, whether Tyreke and Austin should be focusing on mid-range shooting in the off-season, and Brian Roberts winning the Free Throw crown! Then, we talk about Dell Demps closing comments for the season, Melvin Ely replacing the Steamer, the Lottery, and if some important players were disappointing this season.

Michael and I don't spend too much time talking about the games and all the missing players. Instead we talk about line-ups the team fielded this season, (and how few minutes any of them got) how best to stretch Eric Gordon, what to do with Morrow, what makes Stiemsma great, and what could make us want Dell Demps gone.

Michael and I talk about a pair of gutty wins, pretend the game in San Antonio never happened, and enjoy the hell out of CP3 losing. As usual, we can't avoid talking Eric Gordon - despite him not playing a minute, and we also talk Ajinca's situational value, Darius Miller's big game, Michael loves on Morrow even more, and we give an unlikely person credit for the Clippers win.

Michael and I talk about the Heat game, Anthony Davis being a foundational player, the Heat game, how the team almost won in Toronto without Davis, Chemistry, Aminu as a backup power forward, and whether Brian Roberts deserves the abuse he gets.

Plus, LVPs, Paying your Debts like a Lannister, and what happened to the Jazz?

So - last week Michael and I talked about Davis becoming a monster. We were too early in singing his praises. The guy is crazy good. So we talk Davis, we give Tyreke Evans his due, we try to figure out why Monty equates Stiemsma to Winning and Withey to development, and Michael again lays all his hopes and dreams on Anthony Morrow. We also talk about Brian Roberts and if he's truly as vital a piece to the Pelicans as Demps seems to indicate.

Michael and I don't sing the praises about Anthony Davis enough. Well, we do it for a while tonight. The guy is amazing. We also talk Tyreke, the total lack of any defense played against Los Angeles, poke our usual fun at Monty's rotations, and then are shocked at the rotations we like showing up against the Nuggets.

Michael and I bring on Gerry V to get his take on the state of the team. We talk all the young guys with Gerry, Michael and he argue about Gordon, and then we talk how he feels about Monty and Dell. Then, once Gerry leaves, Michael argues with him some more about Eric Gordon, before we get to talk about how Monty has decided to go with a youth movement. Who are you most interested to see play? Rivers? Withey? Miller? Steamer?

Michael and I address all the losing and the fact he's joined the Fire Monty club. How hot should Monty Williams seat be? We also spend some time on Carmelo in the Knicks game, and a bit of time on Tyreke Evans and if he's worth his contract, as well as rank the various Pelican guards.

Plus, I get to read the entire roster of Pierre Jackson's new Turkish squad!

Michael and I cringe about the Brooklyn game (Why do we always do podcasts after losses?) talk about all the good stuff we saw in the previous game, and then focus on Tyreke Evans' comments about not knowing his role with the team. Michael also semi-apologizes to Brian Roberts, we both take turn grumbling about Gordon and Aminu, and we spend a large chunk of time on Anthony Morrow and Babbitt. Shooters rule.

Michael and I talk about the different things we've been seeing the past couple weeks as the Pelicans defense appears to be tightening. We talk about Davis and his crazy run, Jason Smith and his season-ending injury, and discuss why Tyreke Evans has not been particularly effective. As always, we also wonder at why Withey isn't getting more minutes, whether Rivers is developing, and what is the deal with Eric Gordon's huge dry spells.

Oh, and I slaughter several people's last names. They deserve it. Why use confusing letters?

Michael and I talk about Jason Smith's Injury, whether he or Aminu will be back next season, and where the team needs the biggest upgrade. We cover trends for the young guys on this team - the play by Rivers, Withey, and Darius Miller - and who we were most impressed with. We also talk, of course, about Anthony Davis' exceptional play as he's had to carry more and more of the load. Last, we talk Jrue Holiday, what my three wishes are for the rest of the season, and where Davis would already fit in for a "Top Hornets/Pelicans players of all time" draft.

Ryan Anderson, Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans all walk into a bar. Just kidding, those guys can't walk! Michael and I talk about the injuries, the fact that this team is now reduced to a lesser version of last year's squad, whether it's time to tank, if it's all Monty's fault, and we address the foul at the end of the Dallas game.

Ryan Anderson goes down, and once again exposes the fact he is probably the most irreplaceable part on the roster when it comes to efficient offense. It happens, of course, after Michael and I talk about how things were looking up for the team. Dangit! We also talk Ajinca stating, Eric Gordon's odd explosive/disappearing acts, Jrue Holiday's passivity when playing next to Gordon, and the return to a starting lineup with two black holes. Sigh.

Welcome to the New Year! Michael and I talk about the positive and negatives things we saw during the games over the holidays, including the stinkers against the Clippers and Wolves, as well as positive signs like Evans aggressiveness, Aminu's string of solid games, Jrue Holiday's growing comfort in the system, and Anthony Davis ongoing awesomeness.

We also talk about not calling timeouts at the end of the game, whether the team is better or worse with Gordon, and why is Brian Roberts playing over Austin Rivers?

In our first non-mini Mini podcast, Michael and I break down Evans versus Gordon in a battle royale! Who goes, who stays, who is better at help defense? Who is better coming off screens? Who does Michael think has a higher ceiling?

In a week of 2-1 Pelicans basketball, Michael and I love what we're seeing from Jrue Holiday, talk Ryan Anderson's rebounding and mini-shooting slump, and wonder if Eric Gordon deserves to be fed the ball when he's on fire. We spend a little time comparing Ty Lawson, Jrue Holiday and Mike Conley, wondering who is better overall, and then make predictions for the upcoming pair of games at the start of this roadtrip.

Michael and I talk about the devastating effect injuries can have on this team going forward, as well as recap that back-and-forth Dallas game, compare Jason Smith to Collison in the OKC game, and wonder why Amundson gets minutes over withy. Oh and we try to figure out why Aminu got 31 shots over the last 2 games. Anyone know the answer?

Michael and I talk the 3-2 stretch the Pelicans produced, including the injury in New York that made Michael McNamara think fetal positions are good, the hugely entertaining triple OT game in Chicago, and the horrible, horrible San Antonio game.

We also spend a lot of time talking about Aminu, rotations, last minute play calls, Tyreke, and the impacts of Anthony Davis. Plus, I propose a trade you won't want to miss! Really!

Michael and I talk about Tyreke Evans recovering his form, which of the three guards appears to be the New Orleans alpha Guard, the Closing Five, which lineups are good, which aren't, Brian Roberts losing his minutes to Rivers, and bemoan just how tough the Western Conference is. Oh, and we also talk obscure stats, preview the Spurs and Warriors, and recap the Utah and Cavalier games.

Michael and I talk about two soul-crushing games, and one game that managed to make them feel less foul. Plus, is Ryan Anderson the cure to all woes - even those caused by Arch-Villian Monty Williams? Only time will tell.

We then talk about which Tyreke we'll see the rest of the season - Stiemsma's injury, figuring out Aminu, and ask which teams are a Mirage or Real.

Michael and I talk Pelicans Basketball as Michael revises his expectations for this season downward, I try to argue for more optimism and then I take my turn ranting about the lack of three point attempts. We do spend some time glorying in Anthony Davis's amazing ability - and a lot of time being down on Tyreke Evans.

Andy and Brian Kamenetzky of <a href="http://landolakers.com/">Landolakers.com</a> join us to talk the upcoming Lakers games and the state of the mightiest franchise in the NBA. They answer whether Xavier Henry is what we thought he was - which players are keepers in Lakerland, and whether Steve Nash has anything left. Then Michael and I talk the Memphis and Suns games, defensive breakdowns, over-under, the most impactful Pelican, and 4 seconds of PT for Austin Rivers!

Michael and I get together to talk about the first three games of the season - focusing on what we saw that was good, bad, and Ugly. (Orlando) We spend some time talking about the front court - how bad it looks at times - and what Ryan Anderson means to the team, as well as whether Morrow is the answer - which guard is playing the best, and whether Anthony Davis is going to be the undisputed Alpha Dog on this team, despite only being 20 years old.

Gerry V joins Michael and I to bring his coaches eye to what we've seen this off-season. We ask him about all the usual suspects, if center is going to be a insupperable hole, Rivers or Roberts, Tyreke on or off the ball, and Jrue Holiday running the point. Then Michael and I talk about the upcoming game against the Pacers, I predict the Pelicans will have a sixth man winner, and Michael and I handicap the Executive of the Year award and if Dell may be in the conversation.

ESPN.com's Amin Elhassan joins Michael and I again to talk about his latest Pelicans articles. We talk about Monty being able to coach this team and if he might end up on the hot seat, wonder at how good Anthony Davis will be, talk about the parts on this team and if they will work, and ask him if we might have given up on Aminu too early.

Michael and I break down the teams they predict will finish at the bottom of the Western Conference and out of the playoff picture. Will either of us list the Pelicans? I guarantee a few of the picks will surprise you!

Two more games, two more Pelican victories. The Pelicans continue to lift the expectations of those who watch this team. It's hard not to feel the hype. Should you? Michael and I talk the games, team weaknesses and strengths, whether Brian Roberts has outplayed Rivers for the backup point position, whether Stiemsma will hold his starting slot, and Anthony Davis, Defensive Closer.

The Pelicans continue their undefeated role behind Anthony Davis. Michael and I talk about whether we may have sold him short, whether Holiday will take fewer shots, what Austin Rivers may be this year, and spend a lot of time on players like Aminu, Stiemsma, Withey, and Roberts.

Larry Coon joins the show to talk about Pelicans basketball - how the league is dealing with small market teams, what the tighter luxury taxes mean to teams in all markets, and gives his take on Dell Demps' strategy of looking for "Young Veterans". Lots of good stuff here. Thanks to Larry Coon for coming on!

In our first Podcast of the new Season, we bring on special guest Kevin Pelton to talk projtections for the team. Will Anthony Davis be the next NBA superstar? What are the biggest question marks about this team? Is Tyreke really regressing? It's all answered here.

Michael and I get together to cover everything that's happened over the last month. The Team USA game, articles bashing the Pelicans summer haul, The Greg Oden chase. Remaining roster holes. Estimating a floor/ceiling for the team. The biggest unknowns left for the squad.

Michael and I talk Summer league! How is Austin Rivers developing? Darius Miller? Do Pierre Jackson and Jeff Withey have what it takes to carve out niches on this Pelicans squad? Is Brian Roberts the next big thing?

All questions we talk about on this podcast - plus Greg Oden, Anthony Morrow, Stiemsma, Jon Brockman, and Anthony Davis.

Tom Ziller of Sactown Royalty joins Michael and I to talk Tyreke Evans. We touch on everything - his defense, open floor acumen, abilities in the Pick and Roll, Isolation talents, whether he hates being a small forward, and if he would willingly take a sixth man role. Then, Michael and I delve into everything else. Line-ups, rotations, how players fit next to each other, and why I hate the idea of Ryan Anderson for Asik. Oh, and we talk about Aminu's new contract, Pierre Jackson, Michael's Mancrush on Jeff Withey, and Austin Rivers as well.

In part 1 of the In the NO wrap up of free agency, Gerry V joins Michael and Ryan to talk about whether the team has filled a lot of those holes that were so glaring last season. They talk Evans role on the team, trading Asik for Anderson, whether Jrue Holiday is an upgrade on Vasquez, and what Austin Rivers must be thinking now.

Michael and I get together as Free Agency officially begins to talk about the reported prime targets of the New Orleans Pelicans: Kevin Martin, Andre Igoudala, Tyreke Evans and Chase Budinger. We talk about each, how we feel they'd fit with the team, salary possibilities, and what other free agents we like for the squad.

Michael and I get together to talk the aftermath of a crazy NBA draft. We talk Nerlens Noel, the value of that 2014 draft pick, Jrue Holiday and Pierre Jackson. Then we consider the salary cap implications, what the trade means for Vasquez, what Demps is signalling to all of us about his plans for this team, and whether Gordon and Vasquez can get along.

Amin Elhassan, former Assistant director of Basketball Operations for the Suns and current ESPN writer joins us to talk about the Draft, some of the players we hate and love, general drafting philosophies and what advanced analytics really means for the NBA.

Take a listen, he had me questioning my analysis. Ah, ignorance, why must you desert me now.

Michael and I debate our top ten guys - and unsurprisingly, have some pretty big differences. Particularly, my board is right, and his isn't. We also talk rumors about McLemore and/or Oladipo falling, Chad Ford not putting anyone into Tier's 1 and 2 in this draft, and generally what we think most of the rumors are that are out there - smoke or fire.

Gerry V joins Ryan and Michael to talk about the Finals, what the team can take away from these games, and what they need to be looking for this off-season. Then Ryan and Michael talk about the workouts that have happened so far, the strange lack of Eric Gordon's name in the team's draft press release, and who we think is on Dell Demp's draft board.

Andrew Geiger of CasualHoya.com joins us to talk about Otto Porter and the New Orleans Pelicans. Then we start talking the draft prospects of the 6th pick tournament, talk CP3's displeasure with the Clippers, and think about trades with Houston to "help" them land Dwight Howard. Then we move on to trading the Pelicans' 2014 pick, big men dominating the NBA, and Dell Demps in Europe to see Dario Saric.

Michael and I talk the sixth pick of the NBA Draft after I moan and whine about it to start the show. Then we talk players that could be available for the New Orleans Pelicans, players that could fall, players that could rise, and lastly, who would each of us take at that spot if we were Dell Demps and had no trade offers on the table.

Michael and I are joined by Jeremy Schmidt of 4Bucksketball4 to talk Point Guards! We grill him on Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis, and Michael can't help but talk about how he always wanted Larry Sanders. For years. We get it, Michael.

This may be my favorite podcast I've ever recorded. Michael and I talk CP3 - Michael makes his case for him returning to New Orleans - and where else he could do. We talk all kinds of prospects, and then we bring on TrueHoop.com Maestro and Portland Trailblazer Fan to talk Lilliard winning the ROY over Davis, before moving on to talk Hoop Idea, Hack Tactics, the team to fear in the West, and somehow we end up on Rudy Gay.

Seriously - if you will only ever listen to In the NO once, listen to this one.

Michael and I are joined by Gerry V to get an insiders glimpse into what the scouting process will be for the Pelicans. We talk about how to look at prospects, which is harder to coach - offense or defense - and what Davis and Rivers should each be doing this summer to get better. Stay in New Orleans or seek out high level games? And last, we touch on Jason Collins announcement.

Michael and I get together to set the table for an absolutely vital off-season for the New Orleans Pelicans. We talk cap space, player contracts, what types of players they can go after, what their lottery odds are and most likely results. Then we talk about Gordon and Rivers and Davis and how each of them could improve for next year.

It's time for the team to keep moving forward, and not just with a new name!

Michael and I are joined in our 3rd and final Post-Mortum podcast, first by Mason Ginsberg - whom I challenge on his number one player in his Player Rankings, and then Jason Calmes comes on to talk about the health of the Hornets as a business and what they are doing in the off-season to improve your experience at the games!

We continue to wrap up our season coverage, talking with Jake Madison about playbook changes that have occurred over the season and bringing on Andrew Smith to talk about the guys in the locker room. Who is the best to hang out with, best in the locker room? What do the Hornets need to get to help their existing playbook? Answers within!

In this, the first of a three part season Moratorium, Ryan and Michael wrap up the last week of games, talk CP3 and Anthony Davis's sprained MCL, take calls about AD playing center and Eric Gordon taking more jumpshots, and then bring on Hornets247 writers James Grayson and Chris Trew to talk trade values and the Rebrand.

Part two rolls out Tuesday, but today's podcast is special. Because it's yours.

Michael and I recap the Jazz and Phoenix games, including getting Michael's eyewitness account of the shouting match between Monty Williams and Eric Gordon on the sidelines in Utah. Ugly. Then we talk about the myriad of point guard options that may be available this summer, including Jennings, Marcus Smart, Bledsoe, Rajon Rondo, Trey Burke, etc.

Then we preview the upcoming Lakers game and the Hornets Pooperbowl against Sacramento.

Michael and I are joined by Michael Pelissier to talk about Eric Gordon, his production this season, and what the team needs to put around him. Then we recap the loss against Golden State, secretly one of our favorite non-Pelican teams, and I curse at Jarrett Jack. We then talk Lottery placement, teams we need to worry about, and which teams we should all root for across the association to increase our odds in the lottery before moving on to the games against the fighting for their life Utah Jazz and double-tanking Phoenix Suns.

Gerry V joins Michael and I to talk about the team's play over this last homestand, whether there will be more than just three or four hold-overs still on the roster next year, and if he'd prefer to get a lottery pick or a veteran. Then we talk about CP3 eviscerating Vasquez, Davis getting the better of Griffin, and drool over a Nugget wing or two.

Then, Michael talks about the players that changed his opinion of them over the NCAA tournament.

Michael and I talk about a winning week of basketball! And somehow, Michael manages not to drown in his own tears. Then, we talk the upcoming games, somehow talk about obscure euro's who are out of the league, wonder at Demps ability to pull in usuable big men, and preview Nuggets and Clippers.

As Anthony Davis continues to get long minutes, Ryan and Michael area already starting to debate wether Skynet is the best player on the floor in each game. We also talk about Darius Miller's big minutes, Lance Thomas' possible roll as an Rocket Propelled Grenade, whether Eric Gordon and Aminu have checked out - and if Brian Roberts is the new point guard of the future. Cuz you know he is.

Michael and I rant about the Lakers game. And the Orlando Game. And we present the Worst Defensive Play ever award, after beng given not one, not two, but THREE distinctly awful plays to choose from in that Lakers game. Then we answer a listener's question about rebuilding models and what path we'd like to see the Hornets take.

Last, we talk Memphis and Portland and I get to sneer at Rudy Gay again. That always makes my day.

Michael and I recap the week, talking about a close loss to Brooklyn, a tight win over Detroit, and a cringeworthy (or poetry-worthy) game against OKC. Since these games result in more injuries to the team this week - we start speculating on whether the tank has arrived or not. Then, we play the game Buy, Sell, or Meh, and then preview the Lakers and Magic game.

Michael and I discuss the lousy trades that occurred at the deadline, and then spend more time on what those trades mean. Players staying put probably means they are more likely to hit free agency. Bingo! We spend some time rewviewing Anthony Davis and several strong games of his, and then talkk about the 1-3 week and preview the upcoming back to back versus the gently repulsive Brooklyn Nets and Thunder.

Michael and I talk about the two previous games, preview the upcoming pair to start this week, address Anthony Davis getting boo'ed in the Rising Stars challenge and Ryan Anderson missing out on the final shootout. Oh, and in between we talk the looming trade deadline, and posit trades involving Gordon, Vasquez, Aminu, Anderson, and Robin "Must Die" Lopez.

Ryan and Michael worry about Anthony Davis's production and the fact he's been the fourth best big man on this team for a few games now. They also talk Hawks and Raptors, covering some trade targets from the former team and talking trash about Rudy Gay on the second. Okay, I'm doing that. Then Ryan tries for some redemption in the All-Star Pick-em Draft after getting absolutely crushed in the Classic Hornets team Draft. We talk Rondo, Westbrook, Michael is forced to build the most hated team ever, and finally we get to the Detroit and Portland games. Michael again targets various players for trade/free agency. Good stuff as always!

A win!? We were so excited we got Gerry V to join us to talk Anthony Davis' dwindling minutes, Eric Gordon's dwindling shot numbers, whether the frontcourt needs an upgrade or not, and why Austin Rivers is getting long minutes. Then we talk the Phoenix game, talk about how badly I was thrashed in the voting for Classic Hornets team, and Michael tells about his crushing encounter with Alonzo Mourning. Oh, and we preview Atlanta and Toronto, where the team again faces my bête noire, Rudy Gay.

Oh, and Community, Star Wars and Game of Thrones. I must have been feeling my oats mentioning all those things in one podcast.

Michael and I were so disgusted by the last two games we only spend a brief amount of time talking about them before playing a Vintage Hornets Draft game, where we each select a team of classic Hornets and let them go head to head for your votes. Then, we do a whole bit evaluating Anthony Davis so far, take a couple calls about Nerlens Noel, Jerome Dyson/Brian Roberts and then, for the umpteenth millionth time, mock Phoenix - a team with a better record than ours.

In this show Michael and I spend long minutes dwelling on the short minutes a lot of the best Hornets players have been getting recently. Is winning a priority for this team? Then we take some listener's calls and end up talking a lot of Vasquez, including going through the list of Point Guards in this league and listing all the point guards we would take over Vasquez.

Michael and I talk about the last three games, I rant about the "Prevent Offense". we answer a question about goals for this team going forward, and then talk about the upcoming games. We touch on signing Dwight Howard or Paul Millsap, some more line-up information, and, of course, we talk Pelicans. Ca-caw?

Michael and I talk about the Golden State game and his desire to see the Hornets step on the throat of their enemies, grind them into the dust, and revel in the resulting tears and agony. Then we talk about Davis's big game, the improving Aminu, and shockingly get to talk about Rivers using adjectives other than terrible, awful, and revolting. Then we answer a listener's question about the Luxury Tax and this teams flexibility, which inevitably leads to trade talk that involves Josh Smith, Ersan Ilyasova, Wilson Chandler and Rudy. Of course.

We wrap up by previewing Sacramento's unbalanced roster and the <em>exciting</em> (damnit!) San Antonio Spurs.

Michael and I talk about the recent winning, talk about whether the Playoffs are even a remote possibility, Address Anthony Davis' short playing time, recap the wins in Philly and Boston, address the real non-Gordony reason for the winning, and play which PG do you want: Jrue Holiday or Rajon Rondo. Then we take some of the messages you've left for us about whether the Hornets should hire an offensive Guru, what they could offer for Kyle Lowry, and last, we answer two questions about the Draft, Draft, Draft! Oh, I love the draft. In particular we do our favorite college players, talk about best fits, and mention players you should look for.

Ryan and Michael tackle the streak, Austin Rivers extremely limited playing time, Debate Carmelo Anthony's impact on the game, Anthony Davis's energy levels, Vasquez and Gordon (as usual), preview the upcoming Philly and Boston games, and then play would you-wouldn't you on some trade ideas. Of course one of the trades has Rudy Gay in it, and Michael can burn in hell.

The Hornets have a three game winning streak, and Ryan and Michael talk about whether it is entirely Eric Gordon that is spurring this run. Then we talk advanced stats, having Lopez and Vasquez around the carry the scoring load, marvel at Aminu's good and bad qualities, talk most successful Hornets lineups, recap Spurs-Houston, and then preview Wolves-Knicks.

Gerry V joins us to talk about the Hornets with Eric Gordon. We get his thoughts on Aminu playing again, what Gordon being around means for Vasquez, Anthony Davis' struggles, and what to watch for in the upcoming weeks. Then Michael and I talk the Dallas game, Michael has a new theory on Vasquez, proposes a trade that includes Ryan Anderson, gets yelled at about Rudy Gay, and then we preview the Spurs and Rockets games.

Kevin Pelton of the Basketball Prospectus and ESPN.com joins us to talk about Austin Rivers and whether he's having the worst season of all time. Then we bombard him with other questions, hoping he'll tell us it ain't so. Afterwards, we talk more Austin Rivers, the two Hornets losses this week, the upcoming Dallas Game, Anthony Davis, and discuss whether this team is soft.

Michael and I talk the last two games, including that horrible Pacers collapse, we address whether we feel Anthony Davis is a top 50 player today, address a few of Michael's Trade ideas, talk Demarcus Cousins, Eric Gordon and the dreaded Microfracture Surgery rumors, and then preview the upcoming week's games.

Michael and I recap the last two games, and now that Anthony Davis is playing, we get to start talking about Anthony Davis and what he's doing right and wrong on the court. Yay! Then we address the trademarked alter-Pelican names, Eric Gordon, whether this team will be any good when Gordon starts playing, and then Preview Spurs-Pacers this weekend.

Michael and I spend a lot of time talking about Vasquez, his game, his numbers, and his possible impact on Austin Rivers development going forward. Then Michael calls out Anthony Davis, we take turns calling out every player on this team that spends time at small forward, trash the team's defense, and stare dreamily at Ryan Anderson.

I'm growing a beard to be just like him. Except fat. And not 6'9". Or able to shoot. Or rich. But other than that, exactly like him.

Michael and I recap the last two games and then get right to your calls about trades! December 15th is the day many players will become trade eligible, and we look at various offers and proposals, make our own, and generally talk about what sort of teams the Hornets should be targeting to make trades. Gordon, Aminu, Vasquez, Lopez - they are all on the table.

Gerry V joins Michael and I to give incisive analysis on this team. He touches on Amin, Lopez, Vasquez, Rivers, Roberts and Anderson, as well as addressesing the team weaknesses, why the Hornets struggle to rebound the ball, and gives advice as to what to watch for as this team tries to learn and grow.

Then, Michael and I talk the Jazz and Thunder games, preview the Bucks and Lakers, and I Stats Ambush Michael with a set of advanced stats - who is the the least impactful player this season? Most impactful? Who impacts the Hornets shooting the most? The answers will surprise you.

Jason Smith joins us for the 100th In the NO Podcast to talk about how he developed his game, his relationship with the coaches. a solution to him getting smacked in the face all the time, and I try twice to get him to toss Monty Williams under the bus.

Then we talk beating the Clippers.

Thank all of you for all your support. 100 episodes. Who would have thought?

Royce Young of the DailyThunder ESPN Truehoop blog joins us to talk about how the Thunder built themselves a contender on the back of draft picks and young players. Then the guys talk about what they've seen over the last four games, worry about Anthony Davis - and then preview the Clippers and Jazz.

Michael Schwartz of the Valley of the Suns blog and DraftExpress.com joins us to talk about Eric Gordon and his team going into the game between Phoenix and New Orleans on Friday. His offer for Gordon was really good. If we could actually trade him to them.

Michael and I break down the OKC and Milwaukee games, lament the horrible turnover and perimeter shooting issues, address the rage directed at Austin Rivers, and then preview the games against New York and the Indiana Pacers. That's a pair of teams that look very different this year.

Michael and I are joined by Jeremy Schmidt of Bucksketball to talk about the 5-2 Milwaukee squad the Hornets play against Saturday which also has a pair of guards Hornets fans may be eyeballing for their own squad. Then we break down the Houston Game, Michael tries to call me out, We actually somehow get into an argument about the importance of that inane Matt Carroll - Hakim Warrick Trade, and then we preview the Thunder.

Michael and I are joined for the first part of the podcast by Larry Coon, CBA Master and writer for ESPN.com. He talks about what options the Hornets have for retaining Al-Farouq Aminu, whether the Hornets can Nick Collision-ise Jason Smith, and weighs in on Eric Gordon's situation.

Then the two of us tackle what we saw in the Charlotte game, talk Davis, Anderson and Brian Roberts, and preview the upcoming battle in Houston.

Michael and I come at you from the closing minutes of the Philly game. We talk about what we saw in that game, talk about the news that Eric Gordon is going to LA to ahem . . . rehab, and then preview the Charlote Game. We even begin speculating on what Eric Gordon is worth on the trade market! Trade talk! Yay?

Michael and I are joined for the first part of the podcast by the excellent Gerry V, who breaks down what he saw from Vasquez, Rivers, Davis, Smith, Lopez and Aminu for us. Michael and I then continue to review the week, talk all about Eric Gordon, and then preview the upcoming game.

Michael and I are joined by Graydon Gordian of 48 minutes of Hell to talk about the Season Opener and what to expect from the Spurs in the future and for this game. Great way to start the day - preparing for tonight!

Michael and I continue our journey through the Western Conference in an effort to place the Hornets appropriately amongst their peers. We do Utah, Dallas, Denver, Memphis, LA Clippers, LA Lakers, and the Thunder. One of the teams we expect to bottom out this year. Two of them seem slated to fight to join San Antonio, OKC and the Lakers at the top. Which one is it?

After a week in DisneyWorld, I join Michael to cover the last couple games of the pre-season, and then tackle a huge slate of items: Poor guard play, Picking up options on Xavier Henry and Aminu, Loving Ryan Anderson, arguing about whether Aminu is an NBA player in three years, Loving Ryan Anderson. We talk about Gordon and Rivers doing full-contact practice drills, then we Love Ryan Anderson, and then preview the games coming up this week.

Michael and I talk about this weeks three games, whether Vasquez is at risk to lose his starting gig, and pretty much come up with the list of players who have probably already played themselves out of the rotation.

We then preview the Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns for you and last, engage in some future speculation about players the Hornets may want to pursue.

Michael and I talk about what we saw in the Hornets first pre-season game - what mattered, what didn't, and was that a hook shot from Robin Lopez or a MLB pitch at the rim? Then we chat about Ayon and the guy who didn't play a minute for the Hornets. No, not Hakim Warrick! Eric Gordon.

Michael and I are joined by former Hornet and current member of the Hornets Broadcast booth David Wesley! We get to talk to him about adapting to the broadcasting booth, whether veteran mentors are really veteran mentors, what should Austin Rivers be doing to transition to point guard like Wesley did, push him into trying to pick a starting five today, and generally have a great conversation. Don't miss this one!

Michael and I talk about what each of us feel is the biggest question we want to see answered this upcoming season. Then, we continue our march through the Western Conference, evaluating the Portland Trailblazers and Minnesota Timberwolves in the upcoming playoff chase.

With less than two weeks until training camp, Michael and I return to talk NBA Rank at ESPN.com and the stark drop off between the Hornets Top Trio and the rest of the guys - as well as talk about whether we think the guys were judged fairly or unfairly.

Michael and I are joined by Bradford Doolittle of the Basketball Prospectus and ESPN.com. Over the past month, Brad has written several articles (like this one) analyzing the Hornets, and we thought he'd be a great guest to talk about projections for the future.

Oh, and his system is down on Austin Rivers. So Michael and I can glare and grizzle over that a bit more. Good times!

Michael and I are joined by none other than Henry Abbott of Truehoop to talk about HoopIdea, Flopping and CP3, Boring Free Throws, Competitive balance, big Markets, Small Markets, and Markets that go "Wee Wee Wee" all the way home.

Oh, then we talk the Monty Extension, the Demps extension(?) and Brian Roberts.

Special Guest Gerry V swings by to talk Hornets with Michael and I. We address the point guard position - what is a point guard - what position Anthony Davis plays, expectations and timelines for the team, and Gerry talks coaching philosphies.

In this episode Michael and I welcome Roger Mason to the team, talk about what we expect from him, and how worried we are about the Hornets wing players. Oh, and then we talk Dell Demps and Monty Williams. Should the Hornets extend them, and at what price?

Sorry the podcast was late! I would blame Star Wars: The Old Republic, but that would be lame of me.

Hope you enjoy the podcast! We recorded it Sunday night, so no discussion of the off-on Lopez trade. That will come this Sunday. Instead, we talk about the moves Demps did, and wonder if we could have improved on them.

Not a lot of basketball being played by Hornets players right now, but Michael and I spend the podcast pouring over the western conference in the wake of a busy Free Agency and answering two questions:

Are they better than the Hornets now?

Are they someone to worry about in three years?

Tune in, then rank the teams yourself!

Oh, and this week is a two parter! Come back Thursday morning for more Hornets coverage!

Davis takes the court for Team USA, Gordon comes back for the Max, and Austin Rivers tries his hand as a point guard for the first time. Lots to talk about.

HOWEVER! If you like this podcast, please, please go to this link and do Hornets247.com a favor. Fill out the survey so we can get ourselves a podcast sponsor and bring even more of the coverage you all enjoy.

Some momentous events this week as Al-Farouq Aminu led Nigeria to the Olympics! Oh, and the Hornets sign and traded for some quasi-all-star Ryan Anderson. And Eric Gordon said things that made people mad.

Free Agency started today and Michael and I talk Eric Gordon, the trade rumors around him, and then address all the other potential free agents that are floating out around there. Plus . . . Batum?!? For that much? Really?

D(avis) Day is here! Michael and I recap the draft, argue about Austin Rivers for entirely too much time, talk about Darius Miller, and then try to figure out what this draft means for players like Belinelli, Aminu and Henry, and debate the potency of the Hornets backcourt.

Michael and I present to you our Big Boards - the prospects as we see them - and fully expect mountains of vitriol to be heaped upon us. You hear us Lillardians? We are not afraid of you!!!

We close with a few potential trades that seem to be out there (Deng or Noah or Houston's picks) and give some thoughts on the the type of free agents we'd like to see brought in based on players taken in the draft at 10.

Michael and I talk about trades involving the tenth pick. What we want in return for it, what picks we could get for players like J-Smitty and Ayon, and what sort of players will be available later in the first round.

Michael and I are joined by Mike Schmitz of DratExpress.com and ESPN Truehoop's Valley of the Suns to talk about the prospects the Hornets could be picking at number 10. if you haven't seen his work - go check it out.

Then, afterwards, we discuss Michael's suggestion of CP3 returning - who to try and cherry pick from the Thunder, and then Michael starts a new game, "What scares you most!?" It may be as lame as you think it is.

Michael and I talk about how the front office won't say they are taking Anthony Davis - and then we talk about all the people they could possibly take at 10. Michael gets heated about Kendall Marshall and Austin Rivers, and I still have a man-crush on Sullinger but have a a few other guys I wouldn't mind seeing in creole blue.

Ryan and Michael talk Eric Gordon. Lots of Eric Gordon. They talk his trade value, his injury history and what it might mean, they trade him, they don't trade him, he signs for millions or just the qualifying offer. They try to predict where he'll be next year. If Eric Gordon is on your mind, this is the place to be.

Special Guest David Thorpe - NBA trainer, coach, and writer from ESPN.com - joins Michael and I to talk the young players on this team - what they need to do to grow, what they should and can focus on, and talks other young guys in the draft. He also seems to proscribe a trip to France to lose weight and weighs in on Eric Gordon.

With a good eight members of the fourteen lottery slots in this comnig draft likely to be filled by players from Kentucky and UNC, Michael arranged for bloggers covering those teams to come on and walk us through each of those potential lottery picks and their strengths and weaknesses.

Our first guest is Glenn Logan of www.aseaofblue.com, who adresses all our questions about the unibrow, Kidd-Gilchrist, Terrance Jones and Marquis Teague

Our second guest is Brian Barbour of www.tarheelblog.com, who answers questions about Harrison Barnes, Tyler Zeller, John Henson and Kendall Marshall.

Michael and I talk about the week that was, reminisce about one of the worst basketball games they've ever seen, and then Michael brings up just how often players drafted by their own team get a second contract from that team. The answer will surprise you. I know I was.

After taking a week off for Easter, Michael and I have the bizarre experience of reviewing a record of 5-2 for the team? Freakish - and alarming! We also talk Aminu's improvement, Ayon's regression, Gordon's contract, Ariza's benching, and Monty Williams calling Marco a Beast and "Everything he wants this team to be." Wow.

Okay, Michael and I don't actually spend the entire show talking about Anthony Davis and his mystical unibrow, but we do have a really hard time not bringing him up as we talk about the current cieling for the Hornets roster, me getting lambasted for the Giving everything and losing article, Eric Gordon, the Golden State Win, being Dell Demps, etc, etc.

Michael and I talk Jason Smith and his suspension, CP3's homecoming, point out just how bad the starting line-up the Hornets trotted out against San Antonio, play a little game of "Who will be on the roster on opening night 2013", and THEN talk about the draft as the March Madness tournament resolves itself and Michael lets you in on a rumor he's heard about why Jared Sullinger's stock may be falling. I listen in disbelief.

Ryan and Michael talk about the disappointments and impact to the league by the trade deadline, Jason Calmes joins the guys to talk about the new Lease proposal working it's way through the legislature, and Michael McNamara just can't abide winning. Stupid New Jersey Nets and Deron Williams. Will sourpuss Deron ever stop being a thorn in our side?

Ryan and Michael spend a good bit of time talking about Rubio's injury and what impact it may have on the league standings the Hornets' second first-rounder. Then, they talk Kaman's value to the team, predict which games may be wins during this week's slate of games against patsies, and make a prediction for results of the trade deadline.

Oh, and as for the picture - sometimes my inspiration fails me. So this time, I turned to cute wolf puppies. Aren't they soooo cute?

Michael and I are joined by James Grayson to talk about Trades! We take your trades, our trades, and the national media's trades and talk them up. In this first part of the Trade Extravanganza, we address a silly trade or two, talk about some of the trades put forth by the national media, and then move on to trades proposed by you or us.

Michael and I talk about the strong showing by this team, talk about ownership and the announcement made by David Stern this weekend, and talk about how they really feel about finding 'the point guard of the future.'

Last, we ask you for your trade ideas for the next week podcasts. It'll be a Trade Extravaganza! Mail them to ryan@hornets247.com (or ryanschwan@gmail.com)

Michael and I talk about the Hornets and their losing ways, Gustavo Ayon, Ariza playing too damn much, and then are joined by Jason Calmes as Michael rants about life, liberty, and the pursuit of flying basketball players.

Michael and I talk about Kaman returning to the team, (NOOOOO!!) How many of our starters would make good eighth, seventh, or even sixth men on a decent squad, and then review Dealer Dell's trades (Bayless, Thornton, Aminu, Collison) and see if there are any lingering regrets.

Then, in the biggest shocker of the month, Michael predicts a win for the Hornets. Crazy cat.

Michael and I share a precious moment anniversary as we work through our fiftieth podcast about the Hornets. We talk about the Gordon extension that wasn't, the Kaman trade that is to be, and each make 3 bold, bold, BOLD predictions about this team involving Aminu, Ariza, Anthony Davis, and the Tumblewolves.

Michael and I talk about the week of games, the week to come, more draft, and more thinking towards the future. Oh, and I fail to ambush Michael not once, as "Mikestrodamus" proves unflappable. Whatever.

Next time I'll ask him about Star Trek. Dude probably doesn't know the difference between a Betazoid and a Bajoran. Loser.

Ryan and Michael discuss the first two weeks of the season, what we like, what we don't like. Inevitably, talk turns to the future, a little about the draft, and where they think the Timberwolves will finish the season. Playoffs or not? Listen, and give us your thoughts!

And I feel fine. So does Michael. Do you? Ryan and Michael talk the trade that wasn't, the trade that was, the moves that could be, and the future chance at greatness for the team. They also talk about David West leaving, and some of the more inflammatory comments he made once he arrived in Indiana. Michael Cries. Or does he? You should listen to find out.

Yeah. Michael tries to talk about boring crap like TJ Ford and Chuck Hayes, but I put his nose to the grindstone and get talking about when the Hornets trade Chris Paul and what sort of surprise package we can expect for him. I'm hoping for a Lego Castle set.

The guys talk about Chris Paul, whether he'll stay or go - and what to try to get for him if he goes. Oh, and we try to apportion blame for the fact the Hornets have had a megastar for 7 years, and have generally failed to contend.

After having dismissed half the Hornets Free Agents back to the obscurity of the open market, Ryan and Michael McNamara express their hopes for free agency. Or distaste. En route, they give you what they'd like to see on the team if Paul is around - and what they'd like to see if Paul walks out that door.

Jason Calmes hosts as Ryan and Michael play competing Hornets GMs, deciding which of the Hornets own free agents they would extend an offer to and which they would send packing. Will either of them give David West some love?

Ryan, Jason and Michael talk about ownership issues, profitability, and other issues that impact the Hornets staying in New Orleans. It's odd how good the Hornets seem to look despite all their "issues".

The guys return for the 2011-2012 season as the CBA is tentatively agreed on. Ryan, Michael and special guest Jason Calmes sink their teeth into the CBA, talk about how it impacts the boys in Creole Blue and the rest of the league. Also, prepare to be disgusted by Michael. Like usual.

Ryan and Michael put together the off-seasons that each want to see from the Hornets, trading, signing, and each attempting to improve the team. Bask in their mad GM skills - - or mock them. Either works for us.

In a few weeks - or possibly a year if the CBA negotiations suck as hard as we expect it too, there will be teams offering David West the sun, the moon, the stars, and to be his baby momma if he so desires. Tonight, we talk with Jared Wade of the Truehoop Network's Pacers Blog 8 points, 9 seconds, as the Pacers are one of a small set of teams that aren't likely to be terrible next year, need a power forward, and have money to throw at Fluffy.

In the third and final part of the Podcast recorded on the 20th, Michael and Ryan talk draft, draft, draft. Oh, and trades. And some draft. And some draft-related trades. And some trade-related drafting.

In part 1 of the June 20th Podcast, Michael McNamara espouses a pet theory, the guys talk about LeBron and the playoffs, and discuss in general what might actually be Parity in the NBA. For those who spend a lot of money.

Ryan and Michael talk about the roster, what players should or shouldn't stick around, how to handle West and Landry, express their hopes for the team, and Ryan goes all downer and almost makes Michael want to cry.

In part 1 of their Season Review Podcast, Michael and Ryan talk the last two games of the series and then review the players play over the course of the season, discuss their futures with the team, and break out the red ink to give grades to each of them.

In a special edition of the In the NO Podcast, Ryan and Michael are joined by Andy Kamenetsky of the Land O Lakers blog at ESPNLA. Andy answers questions about Gasol, the Lakers bench, Trevor Ariza, and how confident the Lakers fans are that they will still win this series. Good times.

In a special In the NO podcast, the guys are joined by special guest Scott Carter-Eldred, the Grand Prize winner from the Hornets247 Donation's Drive. He proves to be fun, exciting, and completely and totally wrong about one thing, but it brings down a champ! Collusion!

As usual, we talk about the week that was, the week that is coming, the playoff seeding, Quincy Pondexter, the David West contract situation, and who the Hornets should target this off-season.

In the Silver Anniversary Episode of "In the NO" Ryan and Michael talk about a pretty exciting week of Hornets basketball, take some questions via Twitter about the Hornets, thank those of you who have donated, (Thanks!) and then talk about the week ahead while speculating on Playoff seeding.

On today's super-special Podcast episode, we bring on ESPN Truehoop Founder Henry Abbott to talk about all kinds of things. In fact, the podcast goes on for an hour and a half, but it's pretty fantastic.

Anyways, we talk about Contraction threats and if they have teeth, commiserate with Henry about Brandon Roy and see if there's anything to learn there when it comes to extending Paul. We then move on to talk about "love of the game", the Sloan Conference, McNamara loses again when he tries to refute stats and rely on the Eye test, and lastly, we talk about how the Western Conference will shake out and which teams are dangerous. McNamara is wrong there too. It's a fun an intelligent conversation, mostly because there's much less of me.

In part two of the Podcast recorded Sunday Night, we talk about the three games from last week, the four upcoming games this week, and talk about the New York, New Jersey, Denver threesome and the bar vulture that is Utah.

You'll have to listen to the podcast to get the title reference. We talk about the games leading up to the All-Star Break, the All-Star weekend itself, the Jack DUI, Stern on the viability of New Orleans as a Market, and look forward to the games that are happening this week.

Okay, maybe it's not all CP3 and his bad knee, but it's a good portion of the podcast. We also talk about the upcoming Portland game, Hack a Howard, and the All-Star game. Sorry it's a day late! Enjoy!

Sporting a brand new intro we hope you like, the Podcast returns and Michael talk about the past week and surprisingly feel pretty good about it. Then they talk about the upcoming games, and surprisingly feel pretty good about that too. So we hope you're feeling pretty good as well.

Let us know what you think about the Intro! Sorry about the picture. Sometimes the muse fails and Star Wars must take it's place.

Michael and Ryan record this podcast while watching the Hornets-Sun 4th quarter live. Load up your DVR and watch along. Or, if you don't have it on tape, feel free to skip to the next episode, which will be like our usual ones.

Ryan and Michael talk about the 8-0 streak, Emeka Okafor and whether he's worthy of an All-Star nod, what weaknesses we do still see for this team, plus Ryan talks about D&amp;D and find out that Michael would rather fight a Grizzly Bear than an Ostrich. Yes, Michael may be an idiot.

In this episode Ryan Schwan and Michael McNamara unveil the Numbers game, talk the guard rotation, speculate on a Peja/Thornton trade, and weigh in on whether they think the Hornets are of championship quality right now.